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Recently I purchased a Hero 5 Black (Amazon) because of some of the excellent features available, including voice control and stabilization. I look forward to working with it more and seeing those features in action. I’m hopeful that it will turn out to be an excellent camera.

Broken Hero 5 Black USB door

Initially though, I’m not impressed.

After being thrilled with my Hero 3, and Hero 4 Session (my review), the mechanical build of the Hero 5 black seems almost unfinished in comparison. Both of those cameras are nicely sealed, but the Hero 5 Black doesn’t seem quite as mechanically sound. It’s tough to put my finger on, exactly, but the Hero 5 almost seems like a collection of parts, where the previous Heroes that I’ve used were distinctly one unit.

Not terrible, just not quite up to the standard that I’m used to from GoPro.

Edit: 1/5/2017 – GoPro decided to send me a new door, so thanks for that.

What really annoyed me though was the design of the USB door, and to a lesser extent the door for the battery and micro SD card. After charging it, I couldn’t get the door to come open, eventually using a metal ruler to help nudge it out. Compare this to the Hero 4 Session, Continue reading →

If you want to create light graffiti, one of the most spectacular things you can do is create a flaming circle, or even an orb. Though these shots may look difficult, with the right equipment it’s not really that hard – just swing a light and/or steel wool around during a long exposure photograph.

But how to make your rig? Dale Mears wrote in with his solution, seen in the pictures below, and in his following explanation:

If you’ve read more than a couple articles here, you know that I’m a big fan of GoPro stuff. For better or worse, after you buy a camera, you tend to start accumulating small gadgets that go with it. Although fine in itself, these batteries, remote controls, second or third camera, and various mounts tend to lack a good storage place.

You could get a hard storage case (like this excellent model from Pelican—Amazon), but since GoPros are built to be abused, and many are waterproof anyway, that may be overkill. A bag would work, but do you really want everything flopping around in there? Filling the gap is the RollPro Mini. (also available on Amazon) It has space for a few cameras in small pouches, as well as small accessories in its zippered pockets. Roll it up, and everything is held securely, ready to be unfurled at a moment’s notice.

I’ve got a bit more to say, but below is my review in video form. Also, if you decide to buy one, you can use the code “DIYTRIPODS” at checkout on Riseful’s site for a 10% discount.